Moss Ball Pets: An Icon of Love
Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher, once said “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” St. Valentine was martyred for his courageous acts of love, but there are still so many unanswered questions about this person who is the reason for one of our favorite holidays.
Many years ago in ancient Rome, during the 3rd century A.D., it is believed that Emperor Claudius II executed two (or three) men (who were known as Valentine or Valentinus). The executions took place on February 14th but in different years.
During this time, there was already a celebration of love in ancient Rome that happened from February 13th through 15th, and it was known as Lupercalia . However, this event was not as fun and romantic as the celebration of love we have now. Lupercalia involved animal sacrifice, physical abuse, and getting drunk.
No one really knows why St. Valentine was put to death.
Some say it was because he was priest who made sure that couples could get married, even though it had been outlawed because Emperor Claudius II believed that single men were better soldiers.
Others think it has something to do with Valentine helping prisoners escape from harsh Roman prisons. They say that once he was captured and imprisoned, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. Before his death, he wrote her a love letter and signed it, “From Your Valentine”, an expression we still use today!
St. Valentine is one of the reasons for Valentine’s Day, but we utilize many different symbols of love to showcase our emotions to loved ones. We also exchange cards, stuffed animals, flowers, and more. Moss Ball Pets are also a long lasting symbol of love and and devotion!
This can all be credited to the tale of a beautiful romance which took place centuries ago, along the shores of Lake Akan. The story details the young forbidden love between a chief’s daughter and a commoner within the Ainu tribe, a group of hunters and gatherers that lived along the Japanese Island of Hokkaido.
As all young forbidden loves go, the couple was not allowed to be together so they ran away (somewhere near Mount Meakan) to be with each other for the rest of their lives. However, the people of the Ainu tribe are animists. Animism is the belief that everything has a soul (plants, animals, the sun, the moon, rivers, mountains, etc.).
So, when weird fluffy green balls of algae, also known as marimo or Moss Ball Pets, began to appear along the shores of Lake Akan, rumors spread through the Ainu tribe that the spirits of the star crossed lovers had become marimo.
Ever since then, marimo have been considered a symbolic gift to give when you want to express long lasting commitment, prosperity, and love.
Diamonds (and Moss Ball Pets) Are Forever!
Some people say “Diamonds are forever!” Those people might be referring to a James Bond film of the same name. Others might be discussing the song popularized by Shirley Bassey (which was later sampled in the song “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” by Kanye West).
There are not many gifts that compare to something as long lasting as a piece of jewelry. However, Moss Ball Pets are definitely more likely to withstand the test of time. Think about this: How often do people lose rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets?
Unquestionably, Moss Balls Pets are much easier to keep track of and maintain than precious jewelry!
Adopting a Moss Ball Pet is much cheaper (and way more fun) than getting in line at the jewelry store. The cute and unique marimo simply require water and access to light, and occasionally they need to be squeezed or rolled. If you want to know more about taking care of marimo, click here.
Thinking about purchasing a bouquet of flowers or a nice box of chocolates? Those traditional gifts are great but, they don’t possess the longevity of moss balls. Marimo are known to live for hundreds of years (if taken care of properly). A bouquet of fresh cut roses can barely make it for two or three weeks!
Relationship Status: It’s Complicated
Modern dating can be pretty confusing. The new terms for relationships a.k.a
“situationships” range from bae to breadcrumbing and ghosting. There’s also a lot of confusion between the phases of being with another person. Are we “just talking” or are we just talking?
If you are experiencing one of these modern dating problems and you’re kind of unsure about what to purchase for that complicated someone special, consider adopting a Moss Ball Pet!
They’re not just for emotions of intense love, they can also be given as a way to wish someone well or to express wanting a long lasting relationship (no matter what the label on it is).
Purchasing a Moss Ball Pet for a friend or family member could mean that you always want them to be a part of your life.
Cupid, Hearts, Doves, and Moss Ball Pets
While St. Valentine may be the cause of this holiday, there are many different symbols of love that we use to express our emotions to loved ones. Some of the symbols that portray love include hearts, flowers, and doves. This year, why not begin using another symbol of love?
Moss Ball Pets can be an indication of romantic love but no matter who you’re shopping for this Valentine’s Day adopting a new Moss Ball Pet for them would be a beautiful way to show them you care!
Author: Tierra C. Watkins
Tierra C. Watkins is a freelance content creator and the CEO of Watkins Writing. She has been the lead writer for Moss Ball Pets since 2017. Tierra is currently attaining her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Marketing emphasis) from Independence University. She focuses on using her writing to highlight the unique aspects of authentic products or services so that small businesses can thrive. Follow her on Twitter @tierra_watkins or LinkedIn.
